Unit name | Physical Volcanology |
---|---|
Unit code | EASC30062 |
Credit points | 10 |
Level of study | H/6 |
Teaching block(s) |
Teaching Block 1A (weeks 1 - 6) |
Unit director | Professor. Rust |
Open unit status | Not open |
Pre-requisites |
Undergraduates: Successful completion of years 1 and 2 of the Environmental Geoscience, Geology or Geophysics degree programme curriculum MSc Volcanology students: none |
Co-requisites |
n/a |
School/department | School of Earth Sciences |
Faculty | Faculty of Science |
This unit explores how volcanoes work. The overall aim is to develop an understanding of the physics of volcanic processes and apply this knowledge to understanding volcanic eruptions and the geology of volcanoes.
Topics such as the properties of magma and the kinetics of crystallization and vesiculation will be linked to the dynamics of various styles of volcanic eruptions. Students will learn how models built with basic physics, chemistry and fluid dynamics provide insights into how and why volcanoes erupt. They will also learn how to infer processes that occurred during volcanic eruptions from studying eruption products.
Finally, the field of volcanology will be related to other fields including climatology, petrology, engineering, natural resources and hazards.
Students should be able to:
Lectures and practicals
2 hour examination (70%)
Coursework based on practicals (30%)
Recommended
Further Reading
Relevant journal articles will also be included on Blackboard.